Workplace Protective Measures & Hygiene Standards

Over recent months, the COVID-19 crisis has seen drastic changes made across all areas of industry. Some sectors have seen significant decreases due to the restrictions while others have been working hard to continue providing core products and services throughout this challenging time. However, as restrictions in the UK begin to lift, many businesses are now preparing for the ‘new normal’ and a safe return to work.

Companies planning to reopen to staff must first implement key protective measures and enforce strict hygiene standards to minimise risks and safeguard returning employees. Health and safety has never been more important.

The steps outlined in this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to meet additional hygiene standards, comply with social distancing requirements, and ensure a seamless transition back to the workplace for your employees.

While certain businesses and industries still face restrictions imposed by current government guidelines, plenty of preparation can be completed to ensure your business is ready to safely reopen and/or welcome staff and customers back as soon as it is safe and legally allowed to do so.

For many employees, returning to work will perhaps mean returning to a different working environment than before. Working safely must become the main priority, meaning that social distancing and other protective measures will be a key component of the working day.

There are several essential factors to bear in mind before reopening your workplace, as explained below:

• Ensure all areas are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, including entrances and exits, washrooms and staff kitchen areas
• Implement additional cleaning measures for high-traffic or heavy-contact areas like door handles and washrooms
• Provide hand sanitiser and hand cleaning stations around the workplace, washrooms and communal areas
• Encourage staff to follow official guidance on personal hygiene and handwashing
• Where applicable, ensure employees have all the training, tools and equipment they need to work from home
• Use technology and remote working tools to prevent the need for in-person meetings
• Request that staff members maintain social distancing (2-metres is recommended) and do not share workspaces. Social distancing measures should be maintained through the use of clear signage, barriers or floor marking tape, and the implementation of one-way systems where possible

It is also vital to carry out a full COVID-19 risk assessment for your workplace before returning to work. For more information on this, please refer to the appropriate section further down this guide.

In addition to the basic guidelines outlined above, the UK government has also shared useful guidance for safe working across a range of different industries. Here are some of the key points for particular industries:

Conducting a workplace risk assessment is a crucial task which must be completed before employees begin to return to work. The risk assessment should identify and evaluate the potential risks presented by COVID-19 within the work environment. It will help to manage risk, protect staff and customers (where applicable), and ensure practical steps are taken to achieve a safer workplace.

The risk assessment must:

• Identify situations or activities which may cause transmission of the virus
• Consider who could be at risk
• Ascertain the likelihood of exposure to the virus

It will then be possible to consider actions to help control the risk or ideally remove the high-risk situation or activity.

You can find more guidance on conducting a workplace risk assessment here.

We have an extensive range of high-quality products to help you prepare for a safe return to the workplace. From social distancing measures to PPE and hygiene products, our range encompasses all the essentials you need.

Protective Measures with RS PRO

Check out our video and discover how the RS PRO-BOT can help you identify the protective measures and products you need to get your business back up and running!

From temperature measurement to everyday social distancing essentials, you can shop our extensive range by product area in the sections below.

Face Shields and Masks

Wearing a face shield or mask can help to protect employees and minimise the risk of spreading the virus. It is also advisable for staff to wear face coverings in situations where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Disposable masks are lightweight and ideal for a range of situations. There are various protection ratings for masks which will indicate the level of protection the product offers. For instance, an FFP2 mask will offer more protection than an FFP1 mask, while FFP3 masks offer the highest level of protection. Disposable or washable face masks are increasingly being used to help minimise the risk of spreading the virus.

Respirators are designed to fit over the wearer’s mouth and nose to protect against the inhalation of potentially harmful airborne particles. Conversely, a face shield is a form of PPE primarily used to protect the wearer from impacts, debris or splashes. They protect the full face and may also be worn alongside other forms of personal protection equipment including respirators and safety goggles.

PPE

The provision of appropriate PPE (personal protection equipment) is a legal requirement for employers, but additional measures may be introduced to help keep employees safe and minimise the risks of COVID-19.

Eye protection such as safety goggles and safety glasses reduce the risk of injury from airborne particles, debris and potentially harmful splashes. Different types of safety eyewear are suitable for varying industries and applications, including mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical risks.

While thorough, frequent hand washing is highly recommended to minimise risks, disposable gloves could offer an additional layer of protection. Acting as a barrier between the wearer and the external environment, protective gloves are ideal for maintaining strong hygiene standards. Disposable gloves are available in a wide range of materials and types, covering a full variety of applications.

For more guidance on the different types of PPE and current legislation, check out our complete PPE guide.

Social Distancing Signs and Tape

As we all adjust to the ‘new normal’, clear signage, barriers and tape can offer assistance with ensuring social distancing measures are complied with and managed effectively.

Introducing clear, highly visible signage and guidance in key areas can help to ensure social distancing measures and hygiene standards are adhered to at all times. Signage can be beneficial to both staff and customers, so it is important to display clear guidance at entrances, exits and high-traffic areas.

Safety barriers and social distancing tape can help to control access to certain areas, manage social distancing, and enforce one-way systems. Lane marking tape is quick and simple to apply, providing the flexibility to mark out clear walkways and queues which adhere to social distancing guidelines. Social distancing floor mats and pedestrian barriers can also be used to help manage the flow of people through certain areas.

Temperature Measurement

Temperature measurement can help to safeguard staff and reduce the risk of spreading the virus by screening individuals. Non-contact temperature measurement allows body temperature to be accurately checked safely and efficiently.

Digital and infrared thermometers can be used to measure temperature. Digital thermometers measure using a probe and are simple and straightforward to use. Conversely, infrared thermometers measure the thermal radiation emitted, meaning that temperature can be measured from a safe distance without the need for direct contact.

Thermal imaging cameras detect heat energy, allowing the operator to see the infrared spectrum in real-time, again without the need for direct contact. These non-contact methods of temperature measurement are ideal for checking colleagues’ temperatures while maintaining social distancing.

If you would like to learn more about temperature measurement, please refer to our complete guide to digital thermometers and our essential thermal imaging cameras guide.

Hygiene Standards

Maintaining high levels of hygiene is essential, and regular cleaning will become even more important as restrictions start to ease and employees begin returning to work.

Hand sanitiser should be readily available for use, ideally placed at strategic points around the premises in addition to high-risk areas like entrances, exits, washrooms and kitchen areas. Anti-bacterial hand sanitisers can kill up to 99.999% of viruses and bacteria, making them essential for any workplace.

Cleaning supplies such as hand cleaners, equipment wipes, and multi-purpose cleaners are also key for helping to minimise risks and prevent the spread of the virus. Elevated levels of hygiene are vital and extra focus should be placed on high-risk, high-traffic areas.

For additional information on hand cleaners and soaps, please see our comprehensive guide to hand cleaners.